Talk: They Hear You: Talking with Your Teen about Marijuana: Keeping Your Kids Safe: Parent Brochure

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TALKING WITH
Help your teen create an “exit plan” in
YOUR TEEN ABOUT
case he or she is offered or faced with a
Another telling sign is the presence of drug difficult decision about marijuana. Peer
MARIJUANA:
paraphernalia—any equipment, product, or pressure can be powerful, so coming up with
material of any kind that is modified for making, realistic action steps and practicing them
using, or concealing a controlled substance. together in a safe environment will prepare
Keeping Your Kids Safe
Examples of drug paraphernalia include the and empower your teen to make good
following: choices when it matters.
• Rolling paper (a specialty paper used for
making a marijuana cigarette);
• Cigar (hollowed out and filled with marijuana
to make what is referred to as a “blunt”);
• Pipe (a device to smoke marijuana);
• Bong (a filtration device to smoke marijuana); Research suggests that one of the most
influential factors when a teen is growing
• Roach clip (a metal clip used to hold a
up is a strong, open relationship with a
marijuana cigarette);
parent or caregiver.
• Electronic cigarette (a device to smoke
marijuana extracts); and
For more information about how to talk with
• Grinder (a tool that breaks marijuana up into
your teen about marijuana, visit
smaller bits).
www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov
and
TAKE ACTION www.samhsa.gov.
Use these tips to talk with your teen:
• Check in frequently to see how they
are doing;
• Choose informal times to talk, such
as in the car, during dinner, or while
watching TV;
• Be clear and consistent about your
expectations regarding marijuana and
other drug use;
www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov
• Establish family agreements together for
social and extracurricular activities;
• Let them know you care and are always
there for them; and
• Continue talking with your teens as they
get older.
#TalkTheyHearYou
PEP20-03-01-004
It’s never too late to start talking with your teen The perception of the dangers of marijuana use is marijuana has three times the concentration of
about the risks of marijuana use. As teens age, declining and, increasingly, young people today THC compared to 25 years ago, increasing the
they make more decisions on their own and face do not consider marijuana use a risky behavior. impact on the brain. Make sure you know the risks
greater temptation and peer pressure. Though This is partially due to the changes to some of marijuana use and are prepared to talk with
it may not seem like it, teens really do hear your states’ policies on the legalization of marijuana your teen about them.
concerns. It’s important you help them understand and recreational use. Marijuana remains illegal at
what marijuana is, and why they shouldn’t use it. the federal level, even though many states have Common risks include, but are not limited to:
legalized its use.
• Issues with attention, concentration, problem
WHAT IS MARIJUANA?
solving, learning, and memory;
Make sure your teen understands that marijuana
Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, is addictive. In fact, research shows that 1 in 6 • Poor academic and job performance;
stems, and seeds from the Cannabis sativa or
youths who start using the drug before the age of • Lack of balance and coordination;
Cannabis indica plant. It is a psychoactive drug
18 can become addicted.
that contains close to 500 chemicals, including • Poor judgment and decision-making;
THC, a mind-altering compound that causes HOW ARE YOUNG PEOPLE • Less life satisfaction;
harmful health effects. Marijuana use is prevalent
USING MARIJUANA?
• Relationship problems;
among teens and young adults, and according
to SAMHSA's 2019 National Survey on Drug Use Marijuana can be consumed in a variety of • Increased risk of mental issues; and
and Health, an estimated 3.3 million youths ages ways—including smoking, vaping, oils, teas, and
• Potential for addiction.
12-17 reported using marijuana in the past year. edibles. Edibles have become popular because
people can mix marijuana into their favorite foods,
IDENTIFY THE SIGNS
Marijuana use tends to increase with age. While such as brownies, cookies, and candy. However,
2.5 percent of youths ages 12–13 reported edibles are dangerous because they can lead to Recognizing signs of marijuana use can be
consuming marijuana in the past year, that accidental ingestion or overconsumption. Since difficult if you don’t know what to look for. Be
number increased to 11.7 percent of those ages it takes longer to digest edibles and feel their aware of any noticeable changes in your teen’s
14–15 and 25.3 percent by ages 16–17. effects, people may consume more at one time to behavior, as it might indicate he or she is using
expedite that process. marijuana.
WHY ARE YOUNG PEOPLE
USING MARIJUANA? KNOW THE RISKS AND HARMS Common signs include, but are not limited to:
OF MARIJUANA USE
Teens and young adults use marijuana for many • Unusual laughing, coordination issues, or
reasons, including curiosity, peer pressure, and Marijuana use among teens and young adults forgetfulness;
wanting to fit in with friends. Some use it to can harm brain development and cause other
• Bloodshot eyes or repeated use of eye drops;
cope with anxiety, stress, and even depression. negative impacts. Additionally, the amount of
Ultimately, many things factor into why some THC in marijuana has steadily climbed; today’s • Strange smelling clothes or bedroom;
people decide to use marijuana, including • Frequent use of incense and other
their environment at home, at school, and in deodorizers;
the community.
• Drug-themed clothing, jewelry, or décor; and
• Unexplained lack of money or frequent
requests for money.